GSMA has completed its second Mobile Energy Efficiency (MEE) Optimisation project in Pakistan, working in conjunction with mobile operator Warid Telecom and systems integrator Cascadiant.

The project trialled innovative energy-saving technology in Warid’s network and demonstrated significant energy savings of between 30 and 60 percent. When the solutions are rolled out across Warid’s network in Pakistan, the annual savings are expected to be more than US$6 million and 19,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

GSMA also announced that Eltek, Enertika, PowerOasis and Purcell Systems have joined the GSMA’s MEE programme as technology partners. The companies are working with the GSMA to deliver MEE Optimisation projects for mobile network operators (MNOs) who wish to reduce their networks’ energy consumption and cost, as well as carbon emissions.

“It is fantastic that this MEE Optimisation project in Pakistan has already successfully demonstrated significant cost savings and emissions reductions, and is clearly showing the benefits of the service to our members,” said Tom Phillips, Chief Regulatory Officer of GSMA. “The GSMA is also delighted to welcome these four companies as MEE Optimisation technology partners to deliver real cost savings and environmental benefits for operators.”

The project was conducted on 10 cell sites across various geographies in Pakistan, and the technical solutions were trialled on four cell sites. These included Coolsure high efficiency telecom air-conditioners, GE’s Sodium Nickel Chloride Durathon battery and a Ballard methanol fuel cell back-up power system. Deployment of the solutions across Warid’s network has already begun, with 200 DC (direct current) air-conditioners being installed.

“Energy efficiency and network quality are among the key focus areas for Warid Telecom to reduce energy costs and go green, with added reliability and availability of backup power. We are delighted to carry out this MEE Optimisation project, leveraging the innovative solutions from the partners and the GSMA’s expertise. We now have clear visibility of the significant potential from the MEE Optimisation project and we hope to implement these learnings and solutions network-wide, not only to improve energy and cost efficiency, but also network availability and quality,” said Muhammad Irfan Chaudhry, Chief Technology Officer of Warid Telecom.